Tensions are rising after an image emerged of the Samoan flag being burnt. What went through your mind when you saw it? Is it a crime or is it freedom of speech? What would be your reaction if you see this person? Nefetiti Matatia asked in today’s Street Talk and this is what people said:

The administration of sports in Samoa has come under the microscope once more. American-based Samoan Sprinter, Jeremy Dodson, has raised serious questions about the way sports are run. “From the three years I have represented Samoa, I have seen officials do nothing but get free trips, trips spent lounging in sponsored hotels while athletes eat processed food,” he said. “I have seen officials get elected not off merits, but friendships.

The difference between tipping and bribery has been spelt out by a Cabinet Minister who said public servants should not feel bad about accepting tips for doing their work. The Minister of Revenue, Tialavea Tioniso Hunt, said it is only wrong when public servants accept bribes. What do you think? Should members of the public be encouraged to tip public servants, especially people like Customs officials? Ulimasao Fata asked in today’s Street Talk and this is what people said:

Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua has been reappointed to coach the Manu Samoa. He replaces Namulauulu Alama Ieremia who resigned last month after the team’s losing record in the past year. What do you think of the appointment? Do you think Fuimaono is the right man or has the Samoa Rugby Union got this wrong again? Ulimasao Fata asked people in today’s Street Talk and this is what they said:

TV Bingo, or as some prefer to call it, Live Bingo, is coming soon to Samoa. The initiative has been designed to address the issue of domestic violence. How does it work? It will be like a normal Bingo game except people will ring a number when they think they have won. What do you think? Do you support it? Wouldn’t this encourage the mentality of gambling among members of the public? Reporters Aruna Lolani and Talimalie Uta asked people in today’s Street Talk and this is what they said:

A call has been made by the Ministry of Health to the government to amend laws that govern abortion in Samoa. The call is made in their 98-page National H.I.V, A.I.D.S, and S.T.I. Policy 2017-2022 obtained by the Samoa Observer. At the moment, abortion of any form is illegal. Do you think the law should be changed to allow abortion? Lizzy Hunt asked people in today’s Street Talk and this is what they said:

Samoa’s biggest private employer, Yazaki Eds Samoa Ltd, is no more. The company shut its doors officially on Friday. This has left as many as 700 people without jobs. Where to from here? Lizzy Hunt asked people in today’s Street Talk and this is what they said:

The decision to allow Chinese construction workers to work on Sunday has attracted widespread anger. Members of the public are very vocal against calling on the government to change the laws to stop them from doing Sunday work. What do you think? Should Chinese and other foreign builders be allowed to work on Sunday? Lizzy Hunt asked in today’s Street Talk and this is what people said:

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has stopped the Police’s monthly press conference in a bid to control media reports about cases of rape, incest and other vile crimes, in Samoa. In doing so, he has also criticised the media for reporting such cases. He said they are lazy and they only want to be spoon-fed by the Police. What do you think? Do you think the media should stop reporting about rape, incest and other crimes, in Samoa? Talimalie Uta asked in today’s Street Talk and this is what people said.

The Miss Samoa Pageant is billed as an event much more than simply a parade of physical attractiveness. There is a strong emphasis on confidence, culture, individual talent and general knowledge. Lizzy Hunt asked people to share their opinions about the pageant:

The torrential rain over the past few days has led to the Ministry of Health and others issuing warnings about an outbreak of dengue fever. Whilst most people are aware of the symptoms of dengue fever, it is a timely reminder to us all, as individuals, to prevent what can be a killer epidemic from spreading. Lizzy Hunt spoke to a few people to share their opinions on the matter and to see if everyone is aware of preventative measures that can be taken.

The village of Moata’a is standing by its decision to ban a Chinese man from operating a store in their village. Village paramount chief, Asi Semisi Blakelock, said they will not change their village foundation which prohibits outsiders from running shops there. What do you think? Lizzy Hunt had a chance to interview a few people for today’s Street Talk and this is what they said.

A recent Water Conference was held in Samoa highlighting its importance and the S.W.A. Managing Director is urging people to contact her organization about water problems.
This has left the public confused.
On the other hand, there are frequent stories each day in the Village Voice feature where citizens complain of no access to water or water tanks and little help from authorities.

Samoa’s new international airline, Samoa Airways, has revealed its new logo as it prepares to launch international jet services. The logo acknowledges the airline’s origins and links, and features an adapted version of the iconic coconut tree, which has been the symbol of the National Carrier since 1959. What do you think? Lizzy Hunt asked people in today’s Street Talk and this is what they said:

The hunt is on for a new coach of the Manu Samoa after Namulauulu Alama Ieremia resigned from the role during the weekend. In resigning, Namulauulu becomes the latest in a long line of coaches to have either been sacked or made to leave the role under very controversial circumstances. Who do you think should coach the team now? And why? Lizzy Hunt asked in today’s Street Talk and this is what people said:

The mandate of the Ombudsman’s office includes investigating complaints by the public. However a local businessman claims to have been waiting for more than six months for the results of an investigation into his claims of unfair practices in the Customs Division of the Ministry of Revenue. Lizzy Hunt asked people on the street for their views on the issue.

Making electricity affordable and more accessible is on the agenda in Samoa this week. The issue is at the centre of the Pacific Power Association’s (P.P.A) 26th Annual Conference held at Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Hotel. At the opening ceremony, the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Meg Taylor, called for an innovative approach to cheaper electricity for the Pacific region.

Samoa is one of three Pacific countries vying to host the 2019 Pacific Games. As of yesterday, Guam and Tahiti have also put in bids after Tonga withdrew. Do you support the government’s bid for the Games? And why? Talimalie Uta asked people in today’s Street Talk and this is what they said:

The government is looking to re-introduce corporal punishment as a measure to curb the number of school–related violence in the country. The plan was revealed by the Minister of Education, Sports and Culture, Loau Keneti Sio, during an interview with the Samoa Observer on Sunday. Minister Loau said discipline and ‘tough Samoan love’ has always worked and he does not see why it shouldn’t work again. What do you think? Should we bring back corporal punishment? Talimalie Uta asked people in today’s Street Talk and this is what they said:

It’s a tragedy when people prey on the generosity and the good-hearted nature of others. While it’s something we’d like not to happen, the reality is that it happens all the time. In some cases, it is very blunt too

Dear Editor,
Re: Section 32 of L.T.R.A. incapable of alienating customary land
This is why not a single one of those bush lawyers from S.S.I.G. or academics have the guts to take their land whinge to Court.
In the 10 years that this L.T.R.A. 2008 has been law in Samoa, not a single case has gone before the courts.

About a month ago, we were in a meeting with three village Mayors (male Chiefs) to discuss the implementation of the first carbon offsetting project for Samoa by replanting more than 12,000 native trees in the O le Pupu Pue national Park.

THE BEST
A big fa’amalo to the skilled and courageous E.P.C. staff who braved the winds and rain to restore power from broken and dangerous power lines on Cross Island Road on Wednesday night in pitch darkness.

Samoa’s Ava Exports is looking promising, with exports expected to increase in the next couple of years. Ava exports was Samoa’s second largest export commidity from 1998 to 2001 until some European countries led by Germany imposed restrictions on the Pacific Kava Trade. Samoa’s exports of Ava in 1998 was just under $20m.